ENVIRONMENT Minister Micheál Martin’s
lack of concern at the doubling of dioxin levels in Ringaskiddy is
shocking.

It is good news that dioxin levels nationally
have dropped by 20%, but the reality is that in Ringaskiddy they have
almost doubled in the last four years. Dioxins are known carcinogens.
They are unintentional byproducts of incineration and, according to
the Environment Protection Agency in the US, there are no safe levels
of dioxins.

No doubt the study to determine dioxin levels
in Ireland was carried out in a scientific manner. All samples were
taken using the same techniques, analysed in the same way, in the
same laboratory and results correlated accordingly - in the same way.

If doubt is going to be cast on the credibility
of the Ringaskiddy results, then it has to be cast on the entire report.

Mr Martin may be happy to believe the EPA here
when they say they have “no concerns,” but he must realise
that he is elected to represent the people of Cork and we, the community
affected, have grave concerns about these results.

It clearly shows that all is not well in Cork
harbour. Despite the closure of Irish Steel and IFI, the two dirtiest
industries in the harbour, dioxin levels have doubled.

Worryingly, the EPA cannot explain why there
is an increase, although they are the competent authority charged
with protecting our environment. Surely a more appropriate response
from Mr Martin, and indeed the EPA, would have been to concur with
the communit’s concern at these increases and set about trying
to determine why they occurred.

Trying to bury this unwelcome result as a “rogue
sample,” and dismiss it as not being of concern, clearly shows
that the EPA - and indeed it seems the minister - cannot be trusted
to protect us.

This entire incident has highlighted one thing.
It shows that the wishes and safety of the people of Cork are to be
ignored. For years there has been a call for a proper baseline health
study to be carried out on the people of Cork.

Indeed, the Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe
Environment (CHASE) met with Mr Martin while he was minister of health
to impress upon him the importance of such a study. But it was to
no avail.

Now we have evidence from the EPA themselves
that should alarm any public representative, but Mr Martin, sadly,
has decided to continue to sit on his fence.